Kya millennium site
Nature on Kya
Kya’s status as a millennium site is not only linked to its historical value as a fishing village. Kya is also home to a plethora of small and large animals and plants, ranging from very common to quite rare. And it’s not just the rare species that offer amazing experiences for us humans.
Despite the fact that Kya is only a relatively short boat trip away from Frøya, it’s still far enough out in the ocean to allow you to experience nature completely free from the many light and sound impressions of the cultural landscape. That is a powerful experience that makes an impression. On Kya, you can hear the sound of engines long before you actually see the boat making them.
Bird life
With 23-30 red-listed species observed on Kya, and a total of 80 different bird registrations, there is no doubt that the area is important for bird life in general, and in particular an important nesting site. Black guillemots and cormorants thrive particularly well out here. This is hardly surprising, as the Black guillemot likes areas with large and dense kelp forests, which Kya has. Vassholmen nature reserve has been home to one of the largest cormorant colonies in the county outside Froan. Observations may indicate that this has now been displaced and that the colony has re-established itself on South-Kya. However, the islets around Kya have equally large colonies, they are just not officially documented.
(Source: Store norske leksikon)
Tare forest
The kelp forest is Norway’s most productive ecosystem, and it’s not just Black guillemots who appreciate it. The diversity of species in the kelp forest is comparable to that found in rainforests, and its ability to bind greenhouse gases means that it is also considered an important part of the fight to reduce global warming. Kya has a large and rich kelp forest, but it is threatened by, among other things, the red sea urchin. In 2020, it was therefore advised against harvesting kelp in the areas around Kya.
(Source: Institute of Marine Research)
Starry skies and crashing waves
Sound pollution is unwanted light from artificial light sources. It can have a negative impact on human health and means that more and more people are growing up without being able to see most of the stars in the sky. A third of the world’s population cannot see the Milky Way from where they live, and the loss of a view of the night sky also means a loss of cultural heritage.
On Kya, the only sources of artificial light are those you create yourself while you’re there and those necessary for navigation. Thus, it is possible to get it virtually free of light pollution, if you want. This is an experience that is likely to become rarer and rarer and requires special protection.
The same goes for the unique soundscape that can be experienced on Kya. The tranquillity of the forest has a special place in the hearts of Norwegians, but we dare say the sound of the sea is of equal value. The birds and the ever-changing surf are like the most beautiful symphony imaginable.
(Source: Store norske leksikon)
Big animals also like Kya
Kya is a paradise for many small and medium-sized animals and birds, but is also visited by the occasional giant. Killer whales are actually not that uncommon on the Norwegian coast, but did you know that on Kya they can actually come right into the harbor? This offers a rare close encounter with this impressive animal.
Killer whales eat a lot of different foods, but apparently they love fish that swim in schools, such as herring. Maybe that’s why they visit Kya? Or maybe they just wanted to do some diving and look at the life on the bottom inside the harbor.
(Source: WWF)
Life on the harbor floor
If you like diving, the harbor at Kya is perfect. Diving at the harbor may sound boring, but not at Kya.
Here, animals and the environment have been left alone, creating a fantastic, exciting and different environment.
These images show just a few of the many beautiful colors and shapes that greet you down there.
We’ve taken theese photos ourselves, and yes, they’re all from Kya.